Friday, December 20, 2013

The Secret To A Leather Jacket You Actually Wear...and Nigella and Frank Bough

What makes for a great leather jacket that you actually wear? I had a black moto jacket at university which languished in my wardrobe for years. Ten years ago someone gave me a teal leather jacket; I wore it once and recently gave it away. But then I bought this half-price navy one from Barneys (own brand) when I was in New York a week ago. I slipped it on and have worn it every day since.

With my imaginary friends...Just after filming at NPR

The jacket is lighter navy than it looks here

What was the difference? It isn't a short bum-freezer, it was as soft as Cy's pyjamas and it was navy blue, the kinder cousin of black. It's more the colour of the first photo. This weekend the NY Times told us to wear all-black, all navy, all white but to mix up all the shades and textures. Don't have the loosey goosey wherewithall for that, I'll be matching my navy, as per usual.

Top photo shows me just after filming at NPR (America's BBC) for a show called Check Please (I know, they insist on spelling it wrong) where three ordinary bods like me review three restaurants. Fun after a few glasses of wine, but at first utterly terrifying. I had done a little telly in London as guest consumer expert for the Julia Carling Show (sweet with a kittykat prettiness, wasn't her husband Will Carling a total drongo for dalliancing with Diana?) and on TravelTV with Frank Bough, who had been the nation's favourite newreader until the tabloids uncovered him in brothel sex parties where he was dressed in woman's lingerie and high on cocaine. Women's undies aside, he was a blimin' well-researched host, incredibly professional.

The NPR make-up artist put some drops in my eyes called Collyre Blue, you can only buy it in France. Friends: it was like liquid coke for the eyes! Who cares what's in it if it makes my eyes as sparkly as Nigella's.

Striding into court a la Joan of Arc. Botoxathon or does she get more beautiful with age?

I remember reading an interview where Nigella told how she was attracted to her first husband John Diamond (who later sadly died of cancer) because he wasn't ridiculously posh and he was the only person in a carload of journalists who could change the tire when it popped en route to a jolly. Ironically he was not terribly interested in food. One night, after she had spent some time on a intricate roux he told her: "Oh, none of the gravy for me thanks."

She must long for those days.

My eyes needed the sparkly boost because our dog Teddy, has had surgery on both knees and I couldn't bear to leave him in his crate where he is supposed to reside for eight weeks. I carried him for days (he wasn't allowed to walk or jump up) and we were up for three nights straight making sure he was okay. Poor old Teddy, he looks terrible, he's all shorn and scarred. Here is a picture from happier days when he's on guard making sure none of the neighborhood dogs disrespect him by peeing in front of our house. Old Tedmeister, the body of a bunny and the courage of a lion; all he's ever wanted is to bark with the big dogs on the porch.

In happier days. Me watering the plants on the deck with Teddy sitting guard.

We're off to my hometown of Ohope Beach in New Zealand this afternoon. Bit worried about the Three Day Rule as we're there for ten days. But if there is some strife...She started it first Mum! Will also be mindful of rule: Don't Blow Your Arse On the First Night. My sister always says I get too excited on the first night and drink too much, then have to abstain for days. And as we all know, Kiwi champers is the most arse-blowing kind.

How brilliant is a NAVY leather jacket. I like it. Yes don't blow your arse the first night! That is an excellent expression and you taught it to me so thank you. Safe travels to you and have a Merry Christmas.

Have a great trip home. Love the navy jacket. I've always been nervous about leather jackets as a bad one is really, quite the worst thing you can wear. You can end up looking stiff, and like some sort of try hard rocker. Yours looks (and sounds) perfect. No Hell's Angels try hard associations with it at all, its very elegant. Hope teddy is on the mend soon. Our dog was supposed to get his knee operated on too... but I couldn't face the recuperation process. My sister, a vet, likes to tell me I've cursed him to a future of arthritis. He's happy enough at the moment though, so fingers crossed, he'll be fine?! xx

Totally know what you mean...I was a bit worried on the show I was sitting very stiffly with the leather riding up all over. If he's happy stave off the operation, it really is a nightmare of recuperation and myriads of medicines they don't want to take, Never mind the cost. Next week he is off to water therapy at $60 for a half hour! whaaa?

Yes the dog sitter appears any minute. I'm afraid she will find him terribly spoiled and he won't be put down. Hope she copes okay...the knee thing is a little dog complaint, his left one was completely popped out

Love the jacket but I think only certain people suit them. I have tried and tried but wasted a lot of money but I do wish I could wear one bc I'd wear it all the time. So sorry about the dog...I can't imagine- poor thing. But you must give us the link to the show!

My leather coat is burgundy-coloured, and is textured like a Leopard's skin. My wife convinced me, years ago, to buy it, when it was on sale. I still wear it occasionally, but the lining is worn out and shredded. Must fix that in the coming year.

Have a wonderful time Jody! I can't believe Teddy had to have surgery! And on a more foodie note, I just love Nigella's story, it's better than any romance novel. Can't wait to hear how your trip ends up,xo Mary Jo

Love that jacket on you though...But I think one either suits it or doesn't - there is no middle ground on jackets like that! You have got to give us the link to that show when it airs please!!! I feel for your doggy. I hope the recovery is quicker than expected...Have a great time in NZ! Merry xmas x

The elusive perfect leather jacket - always on the search for that and wonder why I have bought the ones I have over the years as they have never been quite right.Sorry to hear about Teddy.I think you will make wonderful telly. Talking of Frank Bough, he cropped up in a song I sang earlier this year - there was a whole verse based on his sexual proclivities! I remember reading John Diamond's book about his cancer - stayed with me for a long time. Have a wonderful Christmas, my very dear online friend xx

D'y know I was only thinking about Frank Bough the other day- small beer compared to the ghastly cases of sexual abuse we are told of daily here.I remember reading an early memoir of his - before the hoo ha and found myself laughing out loud - always a pleasurable experience.I admire Nigella for standing up to that thug. Mind you she is not without a power base herself, fortunately for her.

Love the jacket on you. It's perfect for your colouring. Have to get me some of those eye drops. Love your blog and even though my ex-hubs was a kiwi, I won't hold that against you one pinch! Looking forward to reading more.